Alla Prima
Alla Prima – what does it mean? An Alla Prima painting is a painting done all at once, in one sitting or one moment in time. If you look closely, an Alla Prima painting will reveal bits that a studio painting otherwise conceals; the artist’s process, temperament, conflict, and (hopefully) victory. Today when an ‘artist’ hears the Italian phrase ‘Alla Prima’ chances are they think of the painting instructional book called “Alla Prima” by Richard Schmid. However, Alla Prima has been around as long as ‘oil painting.’ In the 17th Century, the Baroque painters Diego Velázquez and Frans Hals were well known for their use of the technique. The Impressionists and Post-Impressionists were also famous for their quick renditions of everyday life in paint. The English translation of Alla Prima is ‘to the first,’ meaning ‘at first attempt.’ It is also called ‘direct painting’ or ‘wet on wet.’ The image above, “The Reclining Nude,” painted during a two-hour modeling session, is an example of an Alla Prima painting. Artists employ Alla Prima to interior paintings, portraits, and still-lifes. There are some advantages to ‘direct painting.’ Mood, emotions, setting, and atmosphere generally remain the same, making it easier for the artist to capture their perception on the canvas.
En Plein Air
En Plein Air has become somewhat a phenomenon of late. Need a hobby? Don’t be shy; recently, all levels of talent can be found painting outside in the open air! When I was attending the Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe last year, people who had never even painted before were trying their hand at the sport. Plein Air is French for ‘outdoors.’ If someone is painting Plein Air, they are painting ‘in the open air’… or ‘outside.’ A Plein Air painting technically could also be an Alla Prima painting. However, Plein Air generally refers to a landscape painting done outside on location. In the late 1800s, Plein Air painting was popular amongst the Impressionists who favored working in natural light. Today, a Fine Artist will typically paint a landscape Plein Air as a study for a more refined detailed studio painting. Some prefer to ‘only’ paint Plein Air and may take the same painting out on location day after day, to achieve a more polished piece. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, watch for Plein Air events in your region. I’m confident you’ll find an artist willing to bare all and share with you what made him/her succeed at the game. Maybe they’ll give you a few secrets or two.
See examples of Alla Prima & Plein Air paintings by Stacey Evangelista on pages 11 – 18 of the SE.Gallery Fall 2019 Catalog.